Habitat for Humanity of Craven County helped Habitat for Humanity achieve the rank of No. 8 on the Builder 100 List, marking the first time the nonprofit has been among the top 10 biggest builders in the United States. The list also shows Habitat, with 5,294 closings last year, moved up three spots in 2009 from its 2008 ranking of No. 11.
Habitat of Humanity of Craven County built four homes in 2009 and currently has two homes under construction in New Bern; the next build for Habitat will be in Havelock. “We continue to eliminate poverty housing – one home at a time here in Craven County,” stated Jane Kistler Halweg, Executive Director of the affiliate. “We are able to be successful because of the wonderful volunteers and donors that support our housing ministry.”
In 2009, Habitat affiliates repaired 710 homes nationwide, up from 621 homes in 2008. Around the world, Habitat for Humanity helped 61,005 low-income families by building 23,657 new houses and rehabilitating or repairing 37,348 houses. Builder magazine’s annual Builder 100 List compiles date provided by the nation’s builders, including their closings.
“Habitat for Humanity affiliates have been working in more than 1,500 communities in the U.S. to ensure that more than 5,200 families had a new or renovated affordable home to live in last year,” said Mark Andrews, senior director of U. S. Operations for Habitat for Humanity International. “We could not have accomplished this work without the sustained support of local leaders, volunteers and donors.”
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people.
